Islamabad: Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued a contempt notice to every member of the federal cabinet for failing to submit a report on the Aafia Siddiqui case. Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq took the step during a Tuesday hearing on a petition filed by Dr. Fouzia Siddiqui, who is seeking her sister’s repatriation from the U.S.
Justice Ishaq voiced concern over administrative hurdles. He stated that judges could not hold hearings during vacations without the Chief Justice’s approval. However, despite requesting inclusion in the cause list, the approval did not come. “The Chief Justice couldn’t spare even 30 seconds to sign the request,” he remarked sharply.
Although not assigned court duty during judicial recess, Justice Ishaq appeared voluntarily to take up this case. He stressed that Aafia Siddiqui is “the daughter of the nation” and that he wished to uphold justice despite being constrained by procedural barriers.
Cabinet Faces Legal Repercussions
The judge said it was unacceptable that administrative powers were being used to suppress judicial work. He accused the authorities of obstructing timely justice and expressed his frustration that the report promised earlier had still not been submitted.
The court took serious exception to the delay and decided to issue contempt notice to all federal cabinet members. The show-cause notice demands an explanation for the failure to comply with previous court orders. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” the judge warned, adding that such neglect damages the court’s dignity and public trust.
Justice Ishaq concluded the session by confirming that the case will be listed for hearing immediately after court vacations end. The court’s commitment to uphold legal responsibility remains clear, and the next session will demand strict accountability from those in power.
This legal development comes at a time when the government faces increasing pressure from human rights advocates and Siddiqui’s family. They have long criticized the lack of transparency and urgency in dealing with her case.
With tensions rising between judicial integrity and executive inaction, the Islamabad High Court’s decision to serve a contempt notice has set the stage for a serious legal showdown in the weeks ahead.
